Mega-Changes to the USA Mega Millions

USA Mega Millions changed their rules on October 31st, 2017 with the intention of allowing for larger main payouts. Judging by the October 2018 prize that plan worked pretty well! Having customarily been the bridesmaid to Powerball’s bride in terms of record-breaking prizes, these new rules allow MegaMillions to compete for the title of world’s largest payouts going forward. Of the top 10 highest lottery payouts of all time, 5 are currently held by Powerball with MegaMillions making up the other five. Expect that balance to change in future as MegaMillions will produce more monster winnings.

Bigger Payouts

Up until October 31st, 2017 the MegaMillions lottery required that you choose 5 numbers from 1 to 75 plus a Megaball from 1 to 15. From October 2017 when the rule changes came into effect, you instead pick 5 balls from 1 – 70 and a Megaball from 1 to 25. The minimum tier 1 prize was also boosted to $40 million from $15 million.* While the changes to the numbers drawn may seem minor, in fact this affects the probability of wins in a number of different ways.

It is more difficult to win the main prize now that the rule changes were implemented, as the odds have increased to more than 300 million to one from around 250 million to one. This means more rollovers, which in turn mean higher main payouts – that’s why we may well see a record-breaking MegaMillions payouts over the next few years. However, the rule changes also make it roughly 30% easier to win the second tier $1 million prize, so we can expect to see more MegaMillions millionaires as well. All of the lower tier prizes doubled in value, so even though the main prize is more difficult to win it is good news when it comes to all of the lower tier prizes. The draws still take place every Tuesday and Friday night in Atlanta, Georgia USA at approximately 11pm, which equates to 5am on Wednesday and Saturday in South Africa.

Of course you will still be able to bet on USA MegaMillions at Lottoland, where the rule changes came into effect at the same time. This means that SA Lottolanders will benefit from the improved odds of winning that $1 million second tier prizes, and can also bet on what we expect to be those enormous payouts going forward. MegaMillions has lain down a market for Powerball with these rule changes, so we wait to see whether the other American giant lottery will respond.

Three Steps to Betting on MegaMillions Online

• Step 1: Log in to your Lottoland account and click the More Bets tab, then the MegaMillions icon.
• Step 2: Choose your numbers and the Draw to bet on plus Duration.
• Step 3: Place your bet!

*On April 3rd 2020, USA MegaMillions underwent some major changes to its format. There are no longer minimum main prize or rollovers as all MegaMillions payouts are now established based on total ticket sales and interest rates with no fixed amount. The rules change comes as a result of slowing lottery sales in the United States due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Lottoland will continue to offer bets on MegaMillions results with prizes matching the official amounts.  

Last Updated: 16/08/2023